Rhinos target treble after disastrous 2016

Brian McDermott has set his sights on the treble this season after Leeds Rhinos' disastrous 2016 campaign.

The Rhinos had to battle for their Super League place in the Qualifiers last term after a terrible campaign that saw the defending champions finish ninth in the regular season.

Rather than challenging for a Grand Final place, McDermott found his side desperate to stave off relegation to the Championship - something they eventually achieved in the fight for survival.

With a new campaign on the horizon the Leeds boss has got much loftier ambitions, McDermott calling on his side to bounce back and win every trophy on offer in 2017.

"We aim to win everything," McDermott said at media conference on Wednesday.

"In context to where this team has been at for the last 18 months, it's a big call but I know it's not an unrealistic call.

"I've run this past the players already and nobody broke eye contact. They were straight for it.

"We want the league leaders' shield. That's the big thing for us. To finish top of the pile after those 30 rounds is a big thing now. We don't regard it as the champions but it's a well-respected trophy.

"We've reminded ourselves in the pre-season of who we are and what we are about. This has been the most enjoyable pre-season we've had for quite some time.

"We're looking forward to this year. We closed the door on 2016 a while back."

Leeds open their 2017 campaign against St Helens at the Totally Wicked Stadium on February 9.